Six of Wands
A laurel-crowned rider parades among supporters on foot: victory, public recognition, and confidence earned through effort.
Wands, VI
Upright keywords
- victory
- recognition
- success
- public acclaim
- confidence
- good news
- pride
Meaning when upright
The Six of Wands is the suit's victory parade: a rider wearing a laurel wreath carries a staff crowned with another wreath while supporters walk alongside. It signals success that others can see, whether a win, a promotion, public acknowledgment, or simply the confidence that comes from having come through a struggle. Waite reads it as a victor triumphing, but also as great news carried in state by a courier and as expectation crowned with its own desire. The card rewards earlier effort and often reflects a moment when reputation and self-belief rise together.
On the card
- laurel wreath on the rider's head
- Victory and honor; the traditional crown of the triumphant.
- staff crowned with a laurel wreath and red ribbon
- A goal achieved and displayed; public proof of success.
- rider on a white horse
- Strength and purity of purpose carrying one forward; noble triumph.
- horse draped in a green caparison
- Growth, hope, and prosperity attending the victory.
- footmen with staves walking alongside
- Supporters and allies; success recognized and shared by the community.
- rider's red cloak
- Passion, vitality, and the drive that won the contest.
- rider raised above the crowd
- Elevated status, visibility, and leadership.
In Waite’s words
A laurelled horseman bears one staff adorned with a laurel crown; footmen with staves are at his side.
- Divinatory meaning
The card has been so designed that it can cover several significations; on the surface, it is a victor triumphing, but it is also great news, such as might be carried in state by the King's courier; it is expectation crowned with its own desire, the crown of hope, and so forth.
- Reversed
Apprehension, fear, as of a victorious enemy at the gate; treachery, disloyalty, as of gates being opened to the enemy; also indefinite delay.
- Additional meaning
Servants may lose the confidence of their masters; a young lady may be betrayed by a friend. Reversed: Fulfilment of deferred hope.
Correspondences
- Element
- Fire
- Astrology
- Jupiter in Leo
- Sephira
- Tiphareth (6)
- Golden Dawn title
- Lord of Victory
- Decan
- Aug 2 – Aug 11
- Number
- Six is harmony and restoration, here balance regained after the Five's struggle and crowned by recognized victory.
To reflect on
- What success have I earned that I have not fully acknowledged?
- How much do I rely on other people's applause to feel confident?
- Who helped me get here, and how can I honor them?
In your readings
Hasn’t appeared in your readings yet.
Ask about this card
Marguerite, the traditionalist, answers from Waite’s text, what is drawn on the card and its correspondences. You can choose another reader in settings.